NASA to launch UNM satellite into space

Friday

Mar 1, 2013 at 3:15 AM

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — NASA is preparing to launch a University of New Mexico student-built satellite.

The Albuquerque Journal reports that NASA will launch in August a 4-inch cube called Trailblazer. Officials say the satellite will gather radiation levels from space that will be analyzed by mechanical and electrical engineering students.

Craig Kief, deputy director of Configurable Space Microsystems Innovations & Applications Center, says around 25 students helped design and build the satellite over the last two years.

Kief says the satellite will be UNM's first foray outside of Earth, which, if successful, could help bring in more funding and federal grants for the university.